John Daniel Olivas, Ph.D., P.E.
Crew Mission Specialist
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Houston, Texas 77058

Olivas was born in North Hollywood, California and grew up in El Paso, Texas. He is married and has 4 children. Recreational interests include running, weightlifting, hunting, fishing, surfing, and camping. He received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas-El Paso; a masters of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Houston and a doctorate in mechanical engineering and materials science from Rice University.

NASA selected Olivas for assignment as Astronaut in 1998. From 1999-2002 he was assigned technical responsibilities within the Astronaut Office as lead for the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator Robot and Mobile Transporter for ISS. Currently he is assigned as technical lead for Russian EVA issues and International Partner procedure development coordination.

Olivas' first desires to be come an Astronaut emerged at age 7 while on a summer vacation, which included a tour though NASA - Johnson Space Center. He credits his success to God and his family, who have continually fed his desire to reach for the stars. Olivas is awaiting his first mission assignment but continues in his boyhood dream, to be a contributor to the human exploration of space.